Improvement in marine propulsion



2 Sheets--et I.

BENJAMIN s. HEATH.v improvment in Marine Propulsion. No. 118,127. I iPatentedAugust1'5, 1871.

minesses:

2 Sheets--S heet '2.

BENJAMIN S. HEATH. Improvement in Marine Propulsion. No. 118,127.Patented August 15, 1871.

Wi blesses UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

BENJAMIN S. HEATH, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN MARINE PROPULSION.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 118,127, dated August15, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BENJAMIN S. HEATH, of Philadelphia, in the county ofPhiladelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have, as I believe, invented newand useful Improvements in Paddles for Steam-Boats; and I do herebydeclare the following to be a full and exact description of the same,reference being had to the drawing that accompanies and forms a part ofthis specification.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a side view of machine. Fig. 2is a top view of the same. Fig. 3 is an end view. Fig. 4 is a view ofthe stern of a boat, showing my paddles attached thereto.

The chief object of my invention is to obtain the direct and forwardaction of the paddles applied to a vessel, and to avoid the loss ofpower from either lifting the water or pressing it down, and thustending to lift the boat or vessel without driving it forward. Myinvention consists of a paddle or paddles in combination with two cranksor their equivalents, connected by a paddle-beam or other suitablemeans, for the purpose of lowering the paddle during the stroke, andthen raising the same in order to prevent lifting the water.

In the application of my improvements to steam-boats 1 now propose toapply the paddles in the stern of the boat, as shown in Fig. 4; but thepaddles may be applied to the side of the boat if desired. I prefer toemploy two double crank shafts, A, placed in the same horizontal plane,and provided with three bearings, B, as seen in Fig. 2. Thesecrank-shafts may be placed one above the other, or in any other suitableposition if desired. These shafts or their cranks are connected bypaddle-beams 0, Figs. 1 and 2. The paddles D are provided with stems E,which are made adjustable in the beams by means of a toothed bar on theedge of the stem and ratchet F. The paddle-stem E has rigid braces G orcable-braces H, the latter being provided with tightening-ratchets I,Fig. l, and the former with adjusting-pins P. The end cranks A areconnected by rods K, which have a pitman-pin, L,

for attaching the pitman of the engine in the usual manner.

The important points in my invention are as follows: First, I obtain adirect torward action of the paddles without wasting power in thrustingthe paddle into the water or in lifting it out. In other words, mypaddles do not lift the water or theboat, but only give a forwardthrust; therefore much power is saved which in the paddle-wheel must belost. Second, my paddles may be raised or lowered to suit the depth ofwater or draught of the boat, and they may be made larger or smaller,according to the power required. Third, it will be observed that mypaddles do not act or offer any resistance at the dead-centers of thecranks. The paddle begins to dip after the cranks pass the dead points,and when the power is greatest the paddle is deepest in the water andexerts the greatest force upon the boat; but with a paddlewheel it isvery different, as the same power is required at the dead-center as atthe quarterstroke 5 consequently a wheel will jar the boat, and theengine must have a jerking motion, while my paddles will give a moresteady action on the boat. Fourth, what is most important, I spend thepower in propelling the boat forward. Fifth, the two paddles 1), uponthe right and left, extend across toward each other, so that their endsoverlap and revolve around each other so as to occupy only a narrowspace, and thus require but a small hole cut in the stern of the boat.

Having described my invention, I claim 1. The paddles D and crank-shaftsA, arranged and operated in connection with the stern of the boatorvessel, substantially as set forth.

2. In combination with the adjustable paddle D, the adjustable braces HG, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

BENJAMIN S. HEATH.

Witnesses:

JOHN HORN, G. W. Goornn.

